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I did a search, thinking this has probably been discussed at length, but did not find any threads on it. I look through Pinterest and E-Bay stores and see cards that have been run through an embossing folder. They look so fabulous. The details of the lines, the depth of the images, the nice edges on all sides... How come mine doesn't look like that?
Is there a paper weight, or paper manufacturer that makes great paper for embossing with folders/Big Shot?
Do I want to use the heaviest paper I have and spritz it with water before rolling it through?
My results are merely adequate on most things, and sometimes my folders will shred thin papers. I've tried all types of pressures also. Expensive paper does better than Recollection DSP, which is expected, but all my solid card stock doesn't seem to get the depth I'm seeing on line.
With some very thin papers, and vellum, for instance, the fibres do not stretch very well, and will tear. I've found using two or even three sheets in the folder will prevent this. As for the depth of embossing, I'd suggest that maybe some shimming may be needed to get a deeper impression. Thats usually my solution. If I don't think it's deep enough, I'll just add a shim or two of copy paper/thin card until I get an emboss I'm happy with. Do be careful not to overshim- make sure the folder will still go through the machine without causing damage. All machines will vary slightly in pressure exerted by the rollers. What works well in one machine, may be too thick, or too thin for another. It's all down to careful trial & error.
It's possible that some of the depth that you're seeing online is accented by the lighting used to take the photograph. I know that I've had some cards that I took photos of, and the embossing definitely seems more pronounced in the photo.
Also, the Next Level 3d embossing folders from We R Memory Keepers have much more depth and dimension than most other folders. Is there any chance that some of what you're seeing online was done with those folders?
Generally speaking, I find the more detailed and intricate the designs, the thinner the cardstock should be. I've used all sorts from cheap Michaels Recollections, SU, CTMH and even nice thick Gina K cardstock all with good results but the tearing/cracking does happen more often if the design is very detailed. Usually the spritz with water helps with that.
__________________ Leslie Harnish
Sambro, Nova Scotia
Canada
I'd just add to the excellent advice that some folders emboss more deeply than others, either by design or not.
Make pretend you owned just two folders made by one company, versus 20 folders by four companies. The reason for the lack of good results might not be clear in the first case. If that makes sense. It may not. My "explainer" is set on low today.
I use a Cuttlebug and haven't had problems with tearing or shallow impressions, and have used a wide variety of paper, including copy paper for testing.
I agree, the 3D folders are amazing. I have around 60 folders from all manufacturers and use all types of paper. The Spellbinders are really detailed and do a decent embossing job. The Darice folders are adaquate. Maybe I should shim them more.
I do have a tendancy to over shim the folders and I have some Spellbinder folders that are bowed from the pressure. I have backed off on the shimming and try to add a few sheets with each pass now.
It looks so great on the internet but not so great in my own light. Maybe the pictures set up unrealistic expectations on my part. Thanks for all the paper inputs. I will try some 110lb card stock in different folder types and see what it does.
best paper for embossing folders
